Future of Lincoln, Studebaker still uncertain

Blacketor wants more details about new school.

By MICHAEL WANBAUGH
Tribune Staff Writer

SOUTH BEND -- School trustees conducted a second public hearing Monday night regarding the possible closing of the Lincoln and Studebaker primary centers.

No one from the public spoke.

The silence seemed a subtle endorsement of a plan by South Bend Community School Corp. Superintendent Joan Raymond to combine the two schools into a new, $12 million building.

The Lincoln building, built in 1910, is the oldest in the corporation. It would be closed as part of the plan. Studebaker, which is near Riley High School, would eventually be converted into a career center for high school students.

During the first public hearing on July 26, only two people spoke. Both were in favor of the plan.

No action has been taken by the board. The purpose of the public hearings, according to board president Marcia Hummel, is to gather input from the community.

Trustee Jo Blacketor argued Monday that the community needs more specific information about the plan before it is approved by the board.

"I do not support closing either Lincoln or Studebaker until there is a firm plan in place," Blacketor said. "We are obligated to the community (to present) details."

Hummel insisted that the board is taking the correct course of action and should make its decision before incurring preliminary development costs. "I strongly advise that there is no forward movement until we give our superintendent direction."

Blacketor went on to question the legality of Raymond's recommendation to close the schools in an internal memorandum.

"It implied that she could basically do whatever she needed as far as funding is concerned," Blacketor said.

Raymond took exception to Blacketor's accusation regarding the memo.

"Oh, that's ridiculous," Raymond said. "Ridicule us. There is absolutely nothing in there circumventing the law."

Any potential bonding for a new school would be contingent on the board's decision to close one, both or neither of the schools.

Raymond said she could provide more detail if the board chooses, but it would likely delay the ultimate decision by an estimated six months.

Staff writer Michael Wanbaugh:

mwanbaugh@sbtinfo.com